Unsettled Settling

Our first ten days in Australia have had this feeling of being unmoored. A bit dizzy. Maybe it was the discomfort in being deeply comfortable? Maybe it was the tsunami of “life stuff” which arrived on our figurative doorstep as we arrived in Western Australia? Maybe it was the initial broody weather? Maybe I was impacted by Justin’s moody return to bike training? Maybe it was the fact our new cultural waters felt too familiar? And so White? And the realization that the chapters of deep cultural differences are mostly behind us now? Maybe, just maybe, I was trying to do too much too soon in this “settled chapter”? Maybe we’re unpracticed in “settling”? Maybe all the above?

As the fog clears, it’s pretty obvious we are in an absolutely stunning part of the world. In some ways the months ahead will be more about natural beauty and less about cultural immersion. This stretch of coastline is full of endless gorgeous breaks and coves and tiny surf towns. It’s peaceful and laid back. If it’s busy in the summer we’ll never know. It’s fall now. The water is warm-ish. We’re swimming in swimsuits and surfing in wetsuits.

We are in a quiet surf town that is barely a town. Gnarabup. There’s a general store, a cafe, a pub, a yoga studio. All within walking distance. We’re a few blocks from the beach. It already feels like our “home beach” :) there’s probably a quote ‘the best beach is the one you can walk to from home’. Truth.

One evening Justin and I strolled to the beach. In the moments of unmoored dizziness I would scroll through my photo reel to remind myself where we’ve landed. Bearing witness to stunning natural beauty is one of my love languages.

In the “too much too soon” category I’ve joined a gym and jumped right back into my Park City strength & mobility training (loooooove), got my haircut, made dentist and doctor appointments, joined yoga studio, bought used wetsuits and surf boards and helped (not much) Will get ready for a 7-day solo hike. The trail goes right by our house on day four!! A few months ago I sent Will a link to the Cape-to-Cape hike and said “want to do this together?”. Well, now you know where the movie ended, or rather where it started!! Super impressed with all of Will’s thorough planning and prep. We dropped him off at the northern Cape a few days ago.

We’ll pick him up here when he’s done!!

Here are some coastal and playground views from another nearby surf town, Yallingup.

Here’s a mini sampler of a near infinite species here, the “truck that looks like it just went on, or returned from, an epic outback adventure”.

Here’s a hodgepodge of photos that each could finish the sentence “You know you’re in Australia when … “. People are barefoot everywhere. When not barefoot, there are a lot of Blundstones of course. I spot Blundstones constantly at the gym, great lifting shoes? Who knew? Interesting look with gym clothes.

Seeking joy in little things.